Bradbury Miller Associates
Overview
The East Lansing Public Library (ELPL) Board of Trustees (MI) is seeking a thoughtful, highly communicative Director to bring the library’s strategic priorities to life, inspire and support an engaged staff, and lead impactful service for the East Lansing community. ELPL is a city library supported by a voter-approved millage and serves patrons of all ages from a single 28,500-square-foot facility. The staff of 18.8 FTE delivers a wide range of programs and services, including a Maker Studio, dedicated STEAM/STEM library staff, and partnerships with the Friends of the ELPL, Michigan State University, and other community partners. ELPL maintains ongoing outreach to connect meaningfully with the community.
Reporting to a seven-member Board of Trustees, the next Library Director will be a steady, collaborative leader who builds on strong relationships among staff, community, and the board. This leadership role emphasizes calm, collaborative management, unifying stakeholders, and representing the library in the community. Key initiatives include contributing as a collaborative participant who builds consensus among stakeholders and communicates the library’s vision and values internally and publicly to East Lansing residents.
East Lansing is adjacent to Lansing, the state capital, and near Michigan State University, with a vibrant downtown, diverse community, and active cultural scene. The city hosts numerous events and is home to multiple cultural institutions and amenities that support economic development and quality of life.
Responsibilities
Oversee five direct reports and library operations by implementing the strategic plan.
Ensure a high-quality, community-responsive physical and digital collection; manage facilities and spaces; and advance the library’s technological infrastructure, including participation in the statewide resource-sharing program.
Collaborate with the City of East Lansing Chief Financial Officer and city officials to develop and manage the annual budget; implement cost-containment strategies; ensure compliance with purchasing and contract requirements; and support long-term financial planning, including levies and bond initiatives.
Lead recruitment, development, and retention while fostering a diverse, inclusive, high-performing culture; align staff roles with community needs and individual strengths; support continuous learning through planning and budgeting; manage union relationships effectively; and incorporate staff input to advance the library’s vision and progressive management practices.
Develop a deep understanding of the East Lansing community to advance equitable, responsive services; strengthen partnerships and engagement at local, regional, and national levels; and work with the Board of Trustees through policy development, strategic and succession planning, budget presentation, and organizational alignment to ensure effective execution of Board-endorsed priorities.
For a full listing of responsibilities, see the linked job description below.
Qualifications
Master’s degree in library science or information science from an ALA-accredited institution.
State of Michigan Level One Director Certification (or the ability to obtain within six months).
Minimum of four years of professional library experience.
Executive or senior-level management in public libraries, experience serving diverse communities, and union experience are preferred.
Compensation The hiring salary range is
$103,975.30 – $145,676.96
(placement negotiable based on experience and qualifications) with an excellent fringe benefits package.
Application Interested candidates should submit their resume by clicking the “Apply” button above. For further information, contact
Bradbury Miller Associates . This position closes on
Sunday, March 1, 2026 .
Library and Community Links
Job Description
Strategic Plan
Organizational Chart
Budget Performance
Annual Report
City of East Lansing
Ingham County
Michigan State University
Broad Art Museum
Family Aquatic Center
Wharton Center for Performing Arts
Cost of Living Calculator
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Reporting to a seven-member Board of Trustees, the next Library Director will be a steady, collaborative leader who builds on strong relationships among staff, community, and the board. This leadership role emphasizes calm, collaborative management, unifying stakeholders, and representing the library in the community. Key initiatives include contributing as a collaborative participant who builds consensus among stakeholders and communicates the library’s vision and values internally and publicly to East Lansing residents.
East Lansing is adjacent to Lansing, the state capital, and near Michigan State University, with a vibrant downtown, diverse community, and active cultural scene. The city hosts numerous events and is home to multiple cultural institutions and amenities that support economic development and quality of life.
Responsibilities
Oversee five direct reports and library operations by implementing the strategic plan.
Ensure a high-quality, community-responsive physical and digital collection; manage facilities and spaces; and advance the library’s technological infrastructure, including participation in the statewide resource-sharing program.
Collaborate with the City of East Lansing Chief Financial Officer and city officials to develop and manage the annual budget; implement cost-containment strategies; ensure compliance with purchasing and contract requirements; and support long-term financial planning, including levies and bond initiatives.
Lead recruitment, development, and retention while fostering a diverse, inclusive, high-performing culture; align staff roles with community needs and individual strengths; support continuous learning through planning and budgeting; manage union relationships effectively; and incorporate staff input to advance the library’s vision and progressive management practices.
Develop a deep understanding of the East Lansing community to advance equitable, responsive services; strengthen partnerships and engagement at local, regional, and national levels; and work with the Board of Trustees through policy development, strategic and succession planning, budget presentation, and organizational alignment to ensure effective execution of Board-endorsed priorities.
For a full listing of responsibilities, see the linked job description below.
Qualifications
Master’s degree in library science or information science from an ALA-accredited institution.
State of Michigan Level One Director Certification (or the ability to obtain within six months).
Minimum of four years of professional library experience.
Executive or senior-level management in public libraries, experience serving diverse communities, and union experience are preferred.
Compensation The hiring salary range is
$103,975.30 – $145,676.96
(placement negotiable based on experience and qualifications) with an excellent fringe benefits package.
Application Interested candidates should submit their resume by clicking the “Apply” button above. For further information, contact
Bradbury Miller Associates . This position closes on
Sunday, March 1, 2026 .
Library and Community Links
Job Description
Strategic Plan
Organizational Chart
Budget Performance
Annual Report
City of East Lansing
Ingham County
Michigan State University
Broad Art Museum
Family Aquatic Center
Wharton Center for Performing Arts
Cost of Living Calculator
#J-18808-Ljbffr